They have been community leaders, servant leaders, and faith leaders. They were high achievers academically, athletically, and artistically. They set a positive campus culture every day on the hilltop. And at Monday night’s Sixth Form Dinner, we celebrated the 107 members of the Class of 2024 and their lasting legacy at Canterbury.
Held in the Steers Center Ragland Commons, the event bookended last September’s Sixth Form Dinner and Retreat, when members of the senior class discussed goals and aspirations for the upcoming school year.
After a welcome from Head of School Rachel Stone P ’23, ’24, Sacristan Ella Caraluzzi ’24 offered an opening prayer. Then, attendees enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by, as Rachel said, “our talented, present, and personal Dining Hall friends.”
Following dinner, Rachel recognized the 50 diehards in the class and introduced the evening’s speaker, Director of International Travel Programs, Language Teacher, and Form Dean Julio Omaña P ’19, ’20. A week prior, Julio—who has been teaching and mentoring Canterbury students for more than 30 years—was honored by the Sixth Form class when it dedicated its Cantuarian yearbook to him.
As it turns out, Julio was already honored to have spent the last few years with this class. “You have all impacted me,” he told them. “You are talented, hard-working, diligent, and dedicated—and you care about what you do and how you do it.”
Julio insisted that he didn’t just teach the Class of 2024—he learned as much from them as they did from him, if not more.“You taught me that if you stick with something, you will continue to get better at it,” he said. “You have reminded me that having a growth mindset is important, as well as keeping things fresh by trying something new. You all took a chance at growth by attending Canterbury. Relish this week!”
Rachel’s message to the graduating class was just as heartfelt: “Though you will always be a part of the Canterbury family, these next four days will be unlike any other,” she told them. “There will be plenty of messages, goodbyes, and memories. I hope one that rings loudly is how proud we are of all of you.”